The marginalization of black and brown women and girls is a topic or issue that is often neglected or seen as too uncomfortable for the world or society to speak about. Monday’s not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson is a story that explores the often ugly reality of brown andblack girls in America , and does so brilliantly. I was shattered and an emotional wreck after reading this book, but it is a story people need to see and feel.

-Synopsis-

Claudia and Monday are best friends, inseparable to say the least. When Claudia does not hear from or see Monday after a period of time, she begins to get worried and feels that something is wrong. After being sidelined and getting evasive answers from Monday’s mother and sister, Claudia becomes more determined to find out what is really going on and where her best friend is. As Claudia begins to dig deeper into her best friend’s disappearance , she realises that no one remembers the last time they saw Monday- How does a teenage girl disappear and no one seems to notice?

-Review-

I don’t know if you can tell already but I absolutely loved this book, despite me being a crying mess after turning the last page. This story explores a vital and essential aspect of the reality of black/brown girls and women. It also explores gentrification,abuse and bullying. The writer creates a deep connection between you , Claudia and Monday, with the manner in which Claudia speaks about Monday and their unbreakable relationship. It had me thinking back to the time I was in high school, how close and inseparable my best friends and I were. Claudia and Monday’s friendship in my opinion was well constructed.

The friendship between the two girls was another aspect of the novel that I loved. The friendship between girls can often be portrayed as tenuous and strained. A positive portrayal of female relationships and support is one I think we need more of, especially among young girls, changing the mindset of female relations is something that people and girls and women of all ages should witness, read and see.

I also enjoyed how the multiple issues tackled in the novel did not feel forced as though the author was trying to do too much at once. They are weaved together, placed and introduced in a manner that help to tie and construct the story. The novel also shows the chain reaction of social issues and how they are in fact never isolated problems.

Some of the characters in the book felt a little one dimensional and predictable, but I believe that was how they were supposed to be, Other characters were constructed and unraveled brilliantly and left an impression, after I turned the last page of the book.

The chronology of the book will appear confusing but will ultimately make sense as you approach the end of the book. I remember reading and was a lot confused by the the order of events that I was not sure about why it was constructed the way it is,but in hindsight I see it as an excellent part of the novel.

The various aspects or elements come together to make readers listen and see what it is like for the family and friends of missing brown and black children, who are given no more than one line at the bottom of the page in the news and newspapers, and how society is a machine that has multiple moving parts, and there are various aspects that contribute to how missing children of colour are treated and the value and significance placed on them by society.

Monday’s not Coming is a gut-wrenching and heartbreaking story, and a brilliant mystery novel. It should be read not only for the subject issue tackled but also for the brilliant and well executed mystery story created.

I would recommend that people should read this novel, as I have not seen a story quite like it and it is a unique and well executed mystery story.

I will definitely be reading this again.

-Have you read Monday’s not coming ? If you have what did you think? and if not, are you planning on reading it?-